Types of Generator

If you live in a big city, you will less likely experience power outages or power cuts. But if you live somewhere farther from the urban area, the electricity source is less stable and the power may be out, especially in the summer or during extreme weather.

In this article, we will list out types of generator and their use.

Gasoline Generators

This is the most common type of generators because they run on gasoline and gas, which are available everywhere. Also, they are more affordable to use. However, you need to prepare gasoline in advance because once the power is out, you won’t be able to buy gasoline from gas stations either.

Gasoline generators are usually small, making them easy to transport, which is another distinct advantage of gasoline generators over other types. Due to their small size, gasoline generators can fit in small spaces, so you can put them in any place depending on your need.

Gasoline generators can be used for a campsite, home use, job, and work sites, among other purposes. They are also commonly used at construction sites.

On the other hand, gasoline generators are loud and their noise is really disturbing. Besides, you will have to do regular maintenance if you move them around a lot.

Standby Generators

This type of generator is also called emergency power systems or backup generators. Basically, they are the type of generators that operate automatically. They often run on gas or diesel, featuring a large external tank that can help them last for 2 full days or more.

In technical terms, standby generators house a robust commercial engine attached on a skid. The skid consists of a large alternator, a radiator, as well as an onboard fuel tank. There is also an automatic transfer switch on the standby generator that lets it power a device as soon as the power is out.

Standby generators have the following key specs: permanent power protection, automatic operation, and an internal combustion engine. A standby generator has two core components, an automatic transfer switch, and a standby generator. Standby generators can detect or sense a power loss and operate within seconds.

Standby generators are often used in safety systems of elevators, standby lighting, fire protection systems, as well as medical support equipment.

There are some drawbacks, though, including high cost, and the need for thorough, regular maintenance.

Portable Generators

Portable generators mostly run on diesel or gas and can come in handy when you need a temporary source of electricity. They rely on a combustion engine for generating and conducting electricity. They can be used to produce power for remote sites and are able to run TVs, refrigerators, and freezers.

To generate power, the engine inside a portable generator turns a small turbine, creating an amount of electricity to run devices. You can either wire the portable generator into your home’s sub-panel or plug electrical appliances to the generator’s power sockets.

Portable generators are useful in many cases, including powering lights and tools on remote construction sites. Portable generators can also kick in when there’s a sudden power outage at residential houses and businesses.

Portable generators are the cheapest way and they work very well. But you need to protect them from the weather and you cannot operate them in a garage or a home.

Solar Generators

As the name suggests, this type of generators creates power using the radiating energy from the sun. Solar generators capture the solar energy with its solar panels, then use this energy to charge its battery. After that, this battery is used to generate electricity. The generator will change the power into the alternating current before extracting it.

A solar generator has three key components, the charge controller, the inverter, and the batteries. They work together to turn solar energy into electricity. However, it’s important to remember that a solar generator can take 8 hours to fully charge under direct sunlight.

The advantages of this type of generators include no noise and they are perfect for devices with low requirements of electrical power. But solar generators come with drawbacks, including long charging periods and high cost.

Inverter Generators

While most generators are bulky and loud, inverter generators are the opposite. An inverter generator has an engine connected to an alternator to generate alternating current power. Then, the generator converts this alternating current power into direct current power using a rectifier.

Inverter generators have several competitive advantages over other types of generators. They are quiet, making hardly any sound during operation. In addition, they use fuel 20% more efficiently and the electricity generated from them is safe for sensitive electronic gadgets like laptops and smartphones.

Inverter generators use advanced electronic circuitry and high-tech magnets. The process of electricity production in these generators include three phases: outputting the AC, converting the AC into DC, and inverting it back to the AC. Another plus side is that how fast the engine works depends on how much power is needed.

Initially, inverter generators were sold to fishermen, campers, and hunters. But they have since become more popular in the construction industry due to creating no noises in operation.

The only drawback of inverter generators is their hefty price tag and they can’t power heavy-duty machines or big homes.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators produce electricity by combining an electric generator and a diesel engine. They are durable, require low maintenance, and have a long lifespan. Also, they release much less heat than gasoline generators because diesel fuel burns far cooler. Furthermore, diesel generators are highly efficient, featuring a higher energy density and cost less.

However, there are certain downsides with this type of generators, including harmful emissions. And they can’t be used in humid environments.

Natural Gas Generators

The last to be mentioned on the list of types of generators are natural gas generators. They run on propane or liquefied petroleum to create electrical energy.

The best thing about using these generators is that you can store natural gas with ease in tanks, either below or above the ground. Natural gas generators are highly durable too.

In addition, you don’t need to worry about running out of natural gas as natural gas lines run to the operation site. Natural gas is cheaper than other fossil fuels and among the cleanest fossil fuels when it’s burnt. Using natural gas generators can also help reduce the energy cost for households.

However, they are not long-lasting and the installation cost is high.

Conclusion

This article introduced to you 7 types of generators, their uses along with pros and cons. If you’re considering getting a generator, this will help you make the best decision. Thanks for reading!